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UNIT 1 FOOD, NUTRITION AND


HEALTH
Structure
I. 1 Introduction
1.2 Food and its Functions
1.3 Meaning of Nutrition
1.3.1 Nutrients : Action, Interaction and Balance
1.3.2 Handling of Food and Nutrients by the Body
1.3.3 Social. Psychologral and Econom~cAspects of Nutrition
1.4 The Concept of Health
1.4.1 Physical Health
1.4.2 Mental Health
1.4.3 Social Health
1.4.4 Spiritual Health
1.5 Meaning of Nutritional Status
1.6 Interrelationship between Nutrition and Health
1.7 Let I J s S u m U p
1.8 Glossary
1.9 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises

1.1 INTRODUCTION
The word food brings to our mind countless images. Food is associated with worship
and divinity; with celebration and mourning; with family gatherings and with
community feasting. It is closely interwoven with every feature of our existence. This
is not surprising because food plays a crucial role in our lives. It sustains us. it
nourishes us. It is the 'life-giver".
This unit tells you about food and some of its components. It will give you some
idea about why food is essential for our survival. You will also be introduced to the
terms nurrltion and health.

Nutrition is the term used for the scientific study of food and how it is utilized by
the body. Eating the proper kinds of food in the right amounts is essential to keep us
healthy. In other words, our health is dependent on our eating pattern. This leads US
to the vital question-how much and what should one eat to keep healthy? How
much and what, for example, should an infant consume? Similarly, how much and
what foods should be consumed by a child, a n adolescent, an adult or an old person?
Further, what happens when one eats too much or too little? These are the types of
questions that a study of nutrition helps us answer.

:C Objectives
After studying this unit, you will be able to:
define food, nutrient, nutrition and health
list the functions of food
describe in simple terms how food is handled by.the body
discuss the social, psychological and economic aspects of food and eating
explain the concept of health and

1 discuss the relationship between food, health and disease.

!I 1.2 FOOD A N D ITS FUNCTIONS


What is food? The term food refers to anything which nourishes the body. It would
obviously include solids, semi-solids and liquids which can be consumed and which
help to sustain the body and keep it healthy.
fi
'We ail know that food is a basic necessity Have you ever wondered why? Food is
essential becau~eit contains substanees which perform important funetions in our
body. These essential substances contributed by our food arc called nutrients. If
these nutrients are not present in our food in sufficient amounts, the result is ill
health and in some cases, even death. Food also contains many substances which are
non-nutrients e.g. colouring and flavouring substances in food.

Food is. therefore, a cohrplex.mirture of different nulrients and non-nuirients.


FUNCTIONS OF FOOD: You a n now.familiar with the fact that food consists in
part of various-nutrients. You may be surprised to know that there are over forty
essential nutrients, which are supplied by the food we eat. These nutrients can k
classified into five major categories (based on certain similar features): proteins,
carbghydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Water is important as a nutrieqt as well
as a food. You will learn more about this aspect in Unit 2, Block I.

Each of the nutrient categories has a specific physiological role to play. Here the
term "physiological role" refers t o the role of food in maintaining certain specific
body functions. Since food contains nutrients, it has physiological functions too, as
you will learn in the subsequent paragraph. Food also has social and psychological
functions in addition to physiological ones (Figure I .I).

Fig. 1.1 Fundlorn of food

Phystologlc-! :-unzt,ons: The physiological functions performed by food are the


energy-girrny. body-beriirfing, prorectdw and regularory funcrions. We need energy
every moment cf ocr lives for performing various types of activities such as sitting,
standing, walking and running and perforining all our household and other tasks.
You may not be aware of it but several activities take place within the body as well
e.g. beating of the heart, co~tractionof ihe intestines, expansion and contraction of
the lungs. Activities performed within the body also require expenditure of energy
The energy-giv~ngfunction of food is basically performed by two nutrient
categories--carbohydrates and fats. This is why these nutrients are also referred to as
the "body fue!s". The situation is sitnilar to the burning of coal or wood which are
familiar fuels. When these fuels are burnt, energy is released in the form of heat and
light. The fire we observe is, in fact, nothing bun the conversion of the energy locked
,!!p ~ r p:he. fuel to heat energy and iight enrrgv. Similarly, carbohydrates and fats are
burnt i n the b d y , The erlergy that ti:e>e ~uhstilnccccontain is,rcleascd to perform
the. various iictivi~iesthat $ve raikaci nbalrr earlier.
Food is also needed for growth and repair. What is meant by these two terms:' As Food, Nutrition
you know, our body is made up of millions of units called cells. When growth takes and Health
place, new cells are added to the existing ones. The existing ones also increase in
size. On the other hand, cells d o get worn out and die. These cells have to be
replaced. This process is called repair. For both growth and repair, proteins are
ndeS'iary. We can understand the role of proteins in growth and development if we
just think of the tremendous increase in height and weight that occurs frcm infancy
to adulthood. How does this take place? This is made possible by the-process of
growth.
1. The other major physiolcgical functions performed by food are the protective and
legulatory functions. Let us talk about the meaning of the term 'protective' first.
I Here protective refers t o the role in preventing infection by ensuring proper

r
r
functioning of the body systems responsible for fighting infections. Even if a person
does develop an infection or any other type of illness, food and the nutrients it
contains facilitate rapid recovery. A person eating a poor diet would take much
longer to recover. He would get ill more easily as well.
The regulatory function mentioned earlier refers to the role of food in controlling
body processes. As you are aware, several processes take place in the body such as
the beating of the heart, maintenance of body temperature and contraction of
muscles. Each of these processes is controlled. Our body temperature, for example, is
maintained a t 98.4"F or 37'C. Similarly, the rate at which the heart beats is also
maintained. This is achieved by certain specific nutrients (among other substances)
and is illustrative of their regulatory function. Vitamins, minerals, and proteins
contribute substantially to both protective and regulatory functions. S o does water.
You are also probably aware that several chemical reactions take place in the body.
With the aid of these chemical reactions, simpler substances are used to build more
complex ones. Similarly, complex substances are broken down into their simpler
components. Figure 1.2 shows you how one or two types of simple units join to form
complex substances and how complex substances break down into their simpler
units. You will understand this better when you go through Units 2 and 3 of Block I.
The rate at which these reactions proceed is carefully controlled according to the
need of the body. Vitamins, minerals and proteins play a major role in contrnlling
these reactions i.e. they act as regulators.

Fig. 1.2 lnieconvenlon of almplr rnd romplex subutanca


Basic Conclpts in Social Functionr: Food an.d eating has significant social meaning. Sharing food with
Nutrition-I any other person implies social acceptance. When you share a meal with anyone else,
you are expressing your acceptance of and friendship and respect for that person.
Earlier only perzons enjoying equal status in society ate together. A person would
never share a meal with someone inferior to him in social t e r n . Of course, we
observe considerable change in this respect now particularly in cities and t o m . In a
resdurant, for example, any person can eat irrespective of his social background if
he has the money to pay for the food.
i
Food is an integral part of festivity anywhere in the world. You must have surely
noticed that joyous occasio& such as the birth of a child or a marriage are
celebrated by having feasts and serving delicacies. Festivals such as Diwali,
Dussehra, Pongal, Onam. Lohri, Holi, Christmas and Id are celebrated by having
special and prescribed menus. In all these cases, food sewes the function of bringing
people together.
Food also has a specific significance and meaning in the religious context. Certain
food items such.as fruits, sweets and coconuts are offered to the deity in temples.
Often sweets are prepared at temples and gwdwarae and distributed to devotees as a
benediction or prasad. Further, people of a given religious community share a
common eating pattern. This is because religious texts and practices strongly
recommend some foods while rejecting others. Food thus becomes an integral part of
the social and religious life of people.

P~ycbolodalFundom: We all haw emotional needs s k h AS the need for mcitrity,


love and attention. Food is one way through which those needs are satisfied. When a
mother prepares her child's favourite dish, the child recognizes the fact that she lovm
him enough to remember his likes and dislikes. He appreciates the attention he is
given. As you arc aware, when people share food it serves as a token of friendship
and acceptance. A child quickly accepts foods eaten by his friends and by people he
admires or wants to identify with. He may even accept food he first found distasteful
if he observes his friends enjoying it. Sharing the same food as others around him
and those he considers important in his social sphere gives him a degree of
confidence in himself and reassures him that he will be accepted by others like him.
Food is also closely allied to our emotions. Food often serves as a reward. When a
mother wishes to reward her child for doing well in a test, she may buy him a sweet
or an ice cream. In this manner, that particular food item evokes pleasant feelings in
the mind of the child. On the other hand, certain foods become associated with
sickness such as khichri (a ricedal porridge). This type of food is generally eaten
when a person suffers from fever and may, therefore, not be associated with pleasant
feelings.

Check Your.Pro#re~Exercise 1

1) List the t h m functions of food.

2) Fill in the blanks.


a) The body-building function of food is ~ l a t e dto the presence of ................
b) Energy-giving foods are rickin carbohydrate and/or ..................................
C) ...................
Vitamins and minerals have............................and functions.
3) Read the following statements carefully. Comment in two sentences on whether '

the statement rekites to the physiological or social or psychological functions of


food.
a) Pankaj is celebrating his birthday. He has called his friends to his house for
a party in the evening. His mother has prepared several delicious dishes
particularly those which Pankaj likes.
Food, Nutrition
and Heahh
b) Nandita is a three year old chi1d:She has grown so much h these three
years! Her mother says this is due to her love and care and, of course, the
good food she has given Nandita.

1.3 MEANING OF NUTRITION


Nutrition is a .scient13c discipline with food as the major focus of interest. Nutrition
also deals with sekral other related aspects as the following definitions will illustrate.
B
The simplest definition of nutrition can be expressed thus: "the study of what
happens to food once it enters the mouth and thereafter." However, a more detailed
definition would be : "the science ofloods, the nutrients and other substances
therein; their action, interaction and balance in relationship to health and disease;
the processes by which the organism ingests, digests, absorbs, transports and utilizes
~utrien!sand disposes of their end products. In addition, nutrition must be
concerned with the social, economic, cultural and psycholagical implications o//ood
and eating." We will now consider .each aspect in some detail.

1.3.1 Nutrients: Action, Interaction and Balance


Food, as you know, contains nutrients as well as substances which are non-nutrients.
The body needs each nutrient in specific amounts. Some are needed in relatively
larger amounts (the macronutrients) and some in smaller amounts (the
micronutrients). But they are all equally essential for our health. Each nutrient plays
a significant role in the body. The mineral, calcium, for example, helps build strong
bones and teeth. This is the action of calcium. Similarly, other nutrients have their
own specific functions as depicted in Figure 1.3(a). To return to the earlier example,
bones and teeth.also contain another mineral, phosphorus. Both calcium and
phosphorus must be supplied to the body in the required amounts and proportions
to ensure the normal growth of hones and teeth. This means that normal growth of
bones and teeth and maintenance of their normal structure and function requires an
inreracrion between these two nutrients. (Figure 1.3(b) )

The concept of balance can also be explained by taking the example of calcium and
phosphorus. If the diet contains too much phosphorus, it prevents the body from
taking in enough of calcium. This creates an imbalance between calcium and
phosphorus and affects the bones and teeth. This imbalance can be corrected by
consuming foods that supply the two nutrients in the correct proportions.
In the larger context, the term balance means that the nutrients needed by the body
should be provided in the right amount and proportions. This will, of course, ensure
good health as you see in Figure 1.3(c).
t'ou will learn more about the action, interaction and balance of nutrients in Units 2
and 3 of Block 1, and Units 3 and 4 of Block 2.

1.3.2 Handling of Food and Nutrients by the Body


How docs the body handle food? We take in food through our mouth where it is
chewed and then swallowed. It then passes down into the stomach and thereafter
into a long, coiled. tube-like structure called the intestine. Since our body cannot'
utilize food as such, it alters its nature and converts it into utilizable forms by many
specific actions. This process is called digestion.
Once digestion is completed. several nutrients are available to the body in a form in
which the body can use them further. The process by which nutrient@movefrom the
intestine into the blood is refetred to as absorption. . h e blood then transports them
Basic Concepts in
Nutritlon-l

I supply of energy . I Prqtection against disease I

(a) Actlon of nutrients I Maintenanceof growth I Regulation of body pmesses 1

(b) Interaction of nutrients


I (c) Balance of nutrients-
the right balance ensures health

Fig. 1.3 Definition of nutrition

to all the cells of the body where they are utilized for different functions.
All the substances in the food which the body cannot absorb are thrown out in
faeces. The processing and handling by the body of absorbed nutrients results in the
formation of certain other substances or by-products. Some of these are harmful and
need to be thrown out of the body. This is achieved by transferring them from the
blood to the urine. The latter is then thrown out of the body. You will learn more
about digestion and absorption in the next unit.

1.3.3 Social, Psychological and Economic Aspects of Nutrition


Social and psychological factors determir :the acceptability of a particular dietary
pattern and the foods included. We migh suggest a nutritious diet for a person but
it might not be acceptable to him because of sociocultural reasons, for example.
This is the reason why a person's social b. ckground and reactions to particular food
items have to be carefully considered. Further, economic considerations determine
whether foods arc available and affordable. Let us now look at each of these aspects
in detail.
Soelal and cultural aspects 'of eating: Food his a special meaning in the social and
cultural context, as you know. Our ancient Vedic tradition emphasizes food as the
life-giver. It further attributes rrpecific qualities to specific foods. It is said that sattvic Food, Nutrition
foods, for example, increase intellectual capacity and creativity, energy a i d and Health
charfulmsr. Milk and milk products are regarded as the prominent sottvic foods.
The rajasic food8 (foods that stimulate passion) are stated to include fish, eggs and
meat while pork and beef are put in the category of tamsic foods (stale, reheated,
tasteless and impure foods). Contrast this view of food and eating with our modern
views, we no longer believe that certain foods or categories of foods (when part of a
usual diet) can influence our behaviour to any significant extent. At restaurants and
hotels, customers frequently eat reheated food which in the Vedic tradition has the
lowest status. Many people, even though they may be vegetarian, do not mind
t sharing food with non-vegetarian friends. Thc former, of course, would not consume
meat and meat products but may still accept vegetarian foods prepared in kitchens
where meat is also cooked. This is a desirable trend. Tolerance and adaptability to
varied eating habits is a healthy sign of progress.

You must have now realized why nutrition concerns itself not only with the body's
handling of nutrients and other food components, but also with food acceptance. We
cannot-expect members of a community to immediately accept a food just because it
is rich in nutrients. We have to consider any food from their point of view. Is it a
food rejected by their culture? Is it a food considered to be a "prestige" food in that
community? (Here, of course, we mean foods which are accorded a high status
because they are expensive o r because they are consumed by people of higher status
in society). Are all population groups belonging-to that community allowed to '.
consumz the food item or is it forbidden in the case of pregnant women or infanh?
l3is shows us how important it is to keep a person's socio-cultural background in
mind whenever we talk of,improving or modifying food-relared practices.

The psychology of eating: How does a person react to food? What psychological
factors influence our eating patterns? Consider examples A to C.
Example A: Minnie is a housewife. She gives her whole family vitamin tablets
because she thinks this will keep them healthy arid full of energy. Her friend tells her
that she needs no vitamin tablets because the same vitamins can be supplied by the
ordinary foods consumed. Minnie does not agree; for her the vitamin tablet is a n
answer to all ills.
Example B: Raju, a five-year-old boy, loves to watch television. He sees the
numerous advertisements for foods like instant noodles, soft drinks, toffees and
chocolate every single day. His mother frequently gets annoyed because he wants her
to purchase the foods he sees on television even thaugh she tries to convinw hini
that they are not good for health.
Example C: Sarla has just given birth to a baby boy. Her mother-in-law insists that
she consume ti1 laddoos, panjiri and ghee to stimulate the flow of breast milk. (Ti1
laddoos are sweet balls made of jaggery and sesame (til) seeds, panjiri is made of
whole wheat flour, sugar, nuts and far) Sarla does as her mother-in-law advises.
Have you gone through the three examples carefully? You must have noticed the
importance of peoples attitudes t o food in determining the type of foods they select
and the quantities they eat. Many factors influence our choice of foods such as
advertisements and the attitudes of other people around us. Our reactions to these
influences often determine both what we eat and how much we eat. One example is
the child who seeks to avercome a feeling of insecurity or inferiority by eating more.
Another child may seek to overcome the same feelings by eating less. Thus our
individual reactions to food and to the people around us can have a signficant
psychological influence on our eating pattern.

The economics of food: Food costs money. It must be within the reach of people
and it must be equitably distributed to all sections of ihe population. The availability
of food and its proper distribution are of great importance. You may have heard of
people dying of starvation even when plenty of food was available. In India, for
example, agricultural production has consistently increased. However, the problem of
distributing our food surplus still remains. As a result large sections of our
population do not get enough food. These are only some of the larger economic
issues of interest to everyone. Our ultimate aim should be to ensure the good health
of all individuals. Towards this end. we need to ask and try to find answers to
Basic CO.ICL.I)IS m
Nutrition-I
How do we meet the food needs of people who do not have the qoney to
purchase adequate amounts? Should we give them food as payment for work done
by them or should we help them out by giving extra food at cheaper rates or fret
of cost?
How much food'must we produce in order to meet the needs of people?
How can we ensure that food reaches all sections of people? Is our network of
ration shops and the public distribution of food adequate?
What types of food should be grcnvn? Do we need to increase production of
pulses and oilseeds, for example?
These issues are difficult to resolve. It takes time and the coordinated effort of
planners, farmers, suppliers and consumers of food products.

. Check Your Progms Exercise 2

1) List 4 aspects of the study of nutrition.


.............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
2) Fill in the blanks.
a) Nutrient balance can only be achieved by supplying all nutricrrts in the
correct............ .and proportions.
b) ...................is the process whereby nutrients move from the
intestine to the bloodstream.
c) The acceptance of particular foods by a person would depend or1 social.
cultural,. ............... .and economic factors.

1.4 THE CONCEPT OF HEALTH


We are all familiar with the term "health". What does his term mean'? Let us
consider the definition of health proposed by the World Health Organisation
(WHO):
"Health is a state of complete phvsical, mental and social well-being and not
merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
This definition tells us that h<alth is a positive state. In other words, health is a state
of complete well-being and not just the absence of disease. A person may not be
suffering from any disease and yet may not enjoy complete well-being. There are so
many times when we feel tired or exhausted and incapable of concentrating on our
'
work. At such times we are not enjoying complete well-being, even though at other
times we do. There are also times when we suffer from an infection or periods of ill
health. This means no person enjoys full health all the time. However, we call a
person healthy if he or she enjoys good health most of the time.

One dimension which is also gaining prominence is spiritual health. You would
notice that this dimension is not mentioned in the definition. This is a newer
dimension which is gaining recognition though it is still not precisely define+.

Let us now examine each of these different dimens~onsof health.

1.4.1 Physical Health


The physical dimension of health is familiar to us. When we say a person is healthy.
we are generally referring to this aspect. Physical health is easy to detect and
descrivc. A person is physically healthy if he or she looks alert. is responsive.
energetic and vigorous. Table 1.1 lists some of the signs whereby a person in good -
physical healtn can be rdentified.
Tabk 1.1 : S i p s of Good Health Food. Nutrition
and Health
body p f i / c h r u t a b t k Slam of toad b l ( h
Hair Shiny. lustrous. healthy scalp
Neckqlands Not enlarged
Skin Smooth. slightly moist. good colour
Ey es Bright. clear, no fatigue circles
LIPS Good colour, moist
Tongue Good pink colour, no lesions
Gums Firm. good, pink colour; no swelling or bleeding
' Teeth
Abdomen
Straight, no crowding, no discolouration
mat
Lcgs. feet N o tenderness, weakness or swelling
Skekton No malformations
Weight Normal for height, age, and body build
Posturc Erect. arms and legs straight, abdomen in. chat out
Musela Well developed: firm
Nervous control Good power of concentration, not irritable or restless
Appetite Good
Digestion and absurption Normal
Sleep Good, sound

Source : Adapted from Table I . I in fisentials of Nutrition and Diet Therapy by Sue R . Williams, 4th ed.
( 1986)

L4.2 Mental Health


Mental health implies
freedom from internal conflicts
no consistent tendency to condemn or pity oneself
a good capacity to adjust to situations and people
8 sensitivity to the emotional needs of otners
capacity to deal with other individuals with consideration and courtesy
good control over one's own emotions without constantly giving in to strong
'feelings of fear, jealousy. anger or guilt.
You would have realised that mental health is a more complex concept than physical
health, It is much more difficult to measure. Though we can usually recognize the
extreme cases of mental ill health rather easily, it is difficult to categorize individuals
who are normal in other ways but may have a problem understanding another
person's viewpoint or being sensitive to the emotional needs of.others. Such
problems if they are sufficiently serious and persistent would definitely be indicative
of poor mental health.
The interrelationship between physical and mental health can be explored with the
help of, specific examples. High blood pressure is one form of physical ill health. It
can be caused by constant stress and poor ability to handle difficult situations
(particularly if the individual already has a tendency to'develop high blood pressure).
Ttiis is an example of how mental ill health can cause physical ill health. The reverse
can also happen! Physical ill health can also lead t o mental ill health. A child who
suffered from polio and cannot run or play feels inferior to other children. This may
lead him to be dominated by feelings of fear o r self pity. Such feelings may
constantly trouble him and prevent him from interacting in a normal fashioh with
others.
1.4.3 Social Health
What is social health? If an individual rec'ognizes that he/ she belongs to a family and
is'able to identify with a wider community. the first step towards social health has -
been taken. An individual who recognixs his/ her obligations towards other members
of society and is able to relate t o other people around him/ her can be described as
socially healthy.

It is impossible t o realize the goal of social health if mental health has not been
achieved. Any type of mental ill health will adversely influence interaction with
others and therefore diminish one's ability to be a useful member of society.
Similarly. a person who does not enjoy physical health would find it difficult to
Basic Concepts in achieve secfal health. Physical ill health often-makes one irritable and depressed and
Nutrition-I unable t o reach out t o others normally.

How does one recognize social ill health? Criminals are examples of socially ill
individuals. They indulge in behaviour that'is not socially acceptable and can be
called anti-social. Theft, murder and destructive behaviour are examples of anti-
social behaviour. Smiety actively controls such behaviour since ignoring such acts
would destroy society itself.
1.4.4 Spiritual Health
Spiritual health is the most difficult t o define. We, a s Indians. probably understand
spirituality more because in our society religious and moral codes of behaviour are
easily observable. A healthy individual obeys these moral codes most of the time.
The concept of doing good and of not harming others; of believing in the basic
forces of goodness and justice whether or not thkse are worshipped as God; of
recognizing the needs of others and trying to fulfil them; of commitment. duty and
obligation, these are all characteristics of a spiritually well person. Spiritual health is
certainly not easy t o attain!

One must also emphasize that blindly follbwing religious practices and customs does
not necessarily make a person spiritually healthy. Spiritual health is 'more a matter of
attitude's and a way of looking at situations and people. What is important is
concern for others and a genuine desire t o help and be of assistance.

Check Your Progress Exercise 3


1) Define health.
......................................................................
......................................................................
.....................................................................
2) List the four dimensions of health.
......................................................................
.....................................................................
3) Suraj is a ten year old boy. He shows no obvious changes in physical
appearance and his doctor cannot find any sign of illness. However, he cannot
perform as well as his friends a t school and he gets tired easily. Would you call
him healthy? Give reasons for your answer.
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
-
1.5 MEANING OF NUTRI-TIONAL STATUS
Nutritional status is the condition of health of an individual as influenced by the
utilization of nutrients. How d o we determine the nutritional status of a person? The
definition?makes it sound difficult, doesn't it? T o determine nutritional status all you
have to d o is t o put together information about:
what kind of diet is being consumed;
what types of illnesses, if any. the person has sufferedtis suffering from inaading
any observable signs of ill health such a s discoloured skin or bleeding;
what is the level of nutrients and other substances in the blood and urine (as
determined by blo6d and urine tests).

You will understand the coqcept better with the help of a n example. If a person doc
not :onmume .enough of vitanin C-(one qf the water-soluble vitainins), its levels in
the bload will drop and one can predict that the person is likely to get vitamin C
deficiency. This finding can be confvmcd if a look a t the diet reve8b very few foods
being eaten which a n rich in this vitamin.

1,6 INTERRELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NUTRITION


AND HEALTH
Nutrition is closely interlinked with health. If a person cats the right kind of foods in
-the required amounts, he or she will keep good health provided no other factors
intervene. On the other hand, a poor kating pattern or eating too little or .too much
will.result in poor health as is depicted in Figure 1.4.
Too much food
Adequate food
of the rlght kind

Poor health Poor health


Fig. 1.4 Intcrrdationship betwech nutrition and halth

It must bc emphasized. however, that though good food is one of the crucial
factors in ensuring health, it is not the only one. The food eaten must not only be
nutritious.but it must be wholesome and clean and free from harmful germs. If this
is not so, the person eating the food would get ill even if the food is nutritious.

Before we go any further. you need to be familiar with the term "malnutrition".
Malnutrifion is un impairmenr of health resulting from a defiiencj: excess or
imbalance of nutrients. In other words, malnutrition refers to both undernutrition
and overnutrition. Undernutrition means a deficiency or lack of one or more
nutrients and overnutrition means excess of one or more nutrients. Both
undernutrition and overnutrition result in ill health.
One prominent example of undernutrition in our country is vitaminA deficiency.
When young children do not consume enough vitamih A-rich foods. their eyes are
affected and ultimately blindness results
A disease that we easily relate to overnutrition is extreme ovefweight or obesity.
When a,person takes in more energy than he is able to spend on his daily activities,
he accumulates fat in the body and his weight increases. If the weight increases
su6rtantially, the person becomes obese.
This section has just introduced you to some aspects of the interrelationship between
outtition and health, It will be our aim.in thi? course to tell you much more about
t h e e a n d other isma ro that you can apply this information in your day-today life.
Basic Concepts in
Nutrition-I Check Your Progress Exercise 4

I) "Good healtn cannot be achieved without good food." Comment on this


statement in 2-3 sentences.

........................................................................................................................
2) List three different aspects of the interrelationship between nutrition and health.

Food has been described as "anything which nourishes the body". Food, we learnt,
has many specific functions. It provides energy, helps build the body, protects it
against disease and regulates body processes. In addition, it h.elps to bring peogle
together. It is also a means whereby emotions and feelings are expressed.

Various aspects of the study of nutrition have been enumerated in this unit.
Nutrition encompasses the study of food and how it is handled by the body. It alsb
explores the influence of soc~al,psychological and economic factors on our eating
patteins.

Health and its various dimensions have also been discussed>Health is a state of
complete well-being. It has physical;-inental, social-and spiritual dimensions. The
interrelationship between these dimensions has been highlighted.

In addition we have talked about the fact that nutrition and health are intimateiy
linked. Good health cannot be achieved without eating the proper kinds of foods in
the amounts needed.

1.8 GLOSSARY

Benediction Blessing
Cell The smallest unit of an organism that is able to function
independently
Deficiency A condition of the body resulting from an inadequate
dietary intake of one or more nutrients
Delicacies Special dishes made for certain occasions
Development changes leading to greater complexity hnd finally leading to
maturity of the individual
Diet Food items (dishes) you eat during the course of a day
Eating Pattern The number of meals, the types of foods,served
Growth Changes such as increlrse in size and number of cells
Impairment Appearance of ill health
Implication Meaning. significance
Infirmity Physical or mental weakness
Lesion Abnormality in structure and/ or function
Food, Nutrition
Menu : List of dishes included in a particular meal and ticalth
Nou* : To make well and strong
Obesity : Extreme overweight
Tissue : A number of similar cells in the body together form a tissue

1.9 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS


EXERCISES
Check Your Progress Exercise 1

I) physiological; social, psychological


2) (a) proteins (b) fats (c) protective, regulatory
3) Answer on the basis of what you learnt about the functions of food.

Check Your Progms Exercise 2


1) Any four of the following:
a) food and nutrients b) processes of ingestion, digestion, absorption, tran\porf
and utilization of nutrients and disposal of end products c) social implications
of eating d ) economic implications of eating e) psychological implications of
wing.
2) a) amounts b) absorption c) psychologica!

Check Your Progress Exercise 3

I) The state of complete physical. mental and social well-being and not merely the
absence of disease o r infirmity.
2) Physical, mental, social, spiritual
3) Suraj is not healthy. This is because he is not ,showing indications of optimum
health and optimum functioning even though he is free from disease.

Check Your Progress Exercise 4

I) Good health cannot be achieved without good food. This statement js true.
Nutrition is one of the major factors influencing the health of an individual.
Since food is the source of nutrients, selecting and consuming the right types of
food in the right amounts becomes important. If the diet is poor, ill health will
result because of deficiency or excess of one or more nutrients.
2) Causation of diseases by deficiency or excess of nutrients; effect of nutrients
in preventing disease and promoting quick recovery; good nutrition as one of
the factors ensuring good health.

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